China is the world's largest consumer of paper and paperboard by far, consuming approximately 137 million metric tons worth in 2023. This was over 30 percent of global paper and paperboard consumption that year.
Global paper and paperboard consumption
The two largest consumers of paper and paperboard are China and the United States. Together, these two countries accounted for approximately half the quantity of paper and paperboard consumed worldwide in 2023. The per capita consumption of paper and paperboard China was around 93 kilograms, lower than the average global figure.
What is the most consumed paper type?
The global demand for containerboard is far higher than for any other paper type. In 2023, containerboard demand was estimated at 185 million tons, accounting for more than 40 percent of global paper demand that year. In comparison, the demand for printing and writing paper was 52 million tons.
Consumption of paper and paperboard in selected countries worldwide in 2023
(in 1,000 metric tons)
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FAO. (January 2, 2025). Consumption of paper and paperboard in selected countries worldwide in 2023 (in 1,000 metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved May 02, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/240565/consumption-volume-of-paper-and-paperboard-in-selected-countries/
FAO. "Consumption of paper and paperboard in selected countries worldwide in 2023 (in 1,000 metric tons)." Chart. January 2, 2025. Statista. Accessed May 02, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/240565/consumption-volume-of-paper-and-paperboard-in-selected-countries/
FAO. (2025). Consumption of paper and paperboard in selected countries worldwide in 2023 (in 1,000 metric tons). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: May 02, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/240565/consumption-volume-of-paper-and-paperboard-in-selected-countries/
FAO. "Consumption of Paper and Paperboard in Selected Countries Worldwide in 2023 (in 1,000 Metric Tons)." Statista, Statista Inc., 2 Jan 2025, https://www.statista.com/statistics/240565/consumption-volume-of-paper-and-paperboard-in-selected-countries/
FAO, Consumption of paper and paperboard in selected countries worldwide in 2023 (in 1,000 metric tons) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/240565/consumption-volume-of-paper-and-paperboard-in-selected-countries/ (last visited May 02, 2025)
Consumption of paper and paperboard in selected countries worldwide in 2023 (in 1,000 metric tons) [Graph], FAO, January 2, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/240565/consumption-volume-of-paper-and-paperboard-in-selected-countries/
